Does this mean that hotels will take responsibility for items left with reception? Usually, but nothing in life is certain and liability is limited. Small items like tickets and passports (keep a copy of the pertinent pages of your passport with you) can be left in the hotel's safety deposit box or the room safe (make sure it is works properly). That is about as secure as you can get.
Leave bigger items like your laptop at reception. You may want to ask for a receipt.
Leaving bags with numerous items at reception is usually okay, but it is not a good idea to have valuables in them.
Other Security Pointers
- Lock your luggage.
- Bolt your door at night. Robberies when people are sleeping are not common, but they do happen.
- Don't give taxi drivers or others your room number. Don't leave your room key setting somewhere (e.g., on a restaurant table) where people can see the number.
- Look through the peephole if someone knocks on your door.
- Know where the fire exits are and make sure the doors are not locked.
- Don't put a sign on your door requesting maid service.
- Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
- Bring two credit cards and keep them in two different places.
- Never let your credit card out of your sight.